37 years of memories, friendships for retiring Rockford firefighter

Monday

Dec 30, 2013 at 3:00 PMDec 30, 2013 at 3:49 PM

By Chris GreenRockford Register Star

ROCKFORD - In a firefighter's world of strange and bizarre calls, Sal Gomez cared for a man who cleaned his floor with gasoline. Only to have a water heater kick on, spark a ferocious fire and consume the man's handiwork.

Gomez once tended to a man who was cutting off tree limbs, including the one he was sitting on. And he gave first aid to a man who, wanting to change his gender, took matters into his own hands by way of a sharp instrument.

"People do the strangest things," Gomez said. "They are well-meaning most of the time. But they do get themselves into some predicaments, and that's the beauty of this job. You never know what you'll be doing."

Gomez, 63, is retiring Wednesday from the Rockford Fire Department after 37 years of responding to such calls, as well as his share of structure fires, car accidents, shootings and drug overdoses. He'll take with him his health, the respect and adoration of his peers and his sense of humor.

The Rockford resident is one of a dozen firefighters expected to accept the city's early-retirement incentive, a $20,000 check or $20,000 in health insurance credits.

Gomez and his wife, Susie, a retired paramedic, gathered this month at his second home, Fire Station 3 on South Main Street, and reminisced about his career.

Toxic environment

Why become a firefighter?

"If you want to help people, I think it's one of the best jobs. You're the first one people call, be it a true emergency or not."

Gomez joined the department at the start of its ambulance and basic EMT program, which evolved into a paramedic program through OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.

Over the next three decades, Gomez would see medical and firefighting training in the department increase dramatically.

"There's a lot more technical stuff, from water rescue to vehicle extrication, high-angle rescue and underground rescue," he said.

Firefighting tactics also changed to keep pace with new residential and commercial construction materials and techniques.

"Houses are made differently from when I started," Gomez said. "They used to be wood, nails and shingles. Now there are plastics and synthetics built into the home. They burn hotter, quicker, and they're toxic."

'Huge asset'

Gomez is retiring as a driver-engineer, but he is best known for his medical and mentoring expertise.

"He was kind of the go-to guy for any type of medical advice," said Lt. Dan Larson, a 22-year veteran of the department.

"And being on this side of town, he was a huge asset because he can speak Spanish. ... We always joked that he could have run for mayor because he knows so many people in this neck of the woods. Everywhere he goes it's, 'Hey Sal!'"

Chief Derek Bergsten called Gomez "exemplary" in every role he served: "He was on the ambulance longer than most because he enjoyed it. He truly enjoyed EMS."

Paving the way

Gomez, Roger Homnick and Barry Fitz are the remaining active members of the department's Class of 1976. Fitz is the fire equipment safety manager; Homnick is retiring in January.

Another classmate, Charles Martini, retired Nov. 29.

"When you go through the academy together, you develop friendships," Martini said. "I can't ever remember him complaining about one thing. I'm sure he had his bad days, but you never heard about it."

Gomez is believed to be the city's first Hispanic firefighter.

"I don't know if I paved the way," Gomez said, "but I might have made the way a little broader."

The father of five and grandfather of 10 has no immediate retirement plans.

"If you set a plan and don't quite get there, you are disappointed," he said. "This way, at this point in my life, it's whatever. I'm sure, if it's up to (Susie) and the girls, by spring I'll have a job of some type because they will look for one for me."